Saturday the 3rd marked the return of my favorite seasonal pastime – the Reston Farmers’ Market! Â Between the months of May and November, the Reston Farmers’ Market takes place on Saturdays from 8am-12pm in the parking lot at Lake Anne Village Center.
Vendors and shoppers were out in full force this weekend – I had to park at least half a mile from the market! Â I see this as an extreme positive because I love to see folks supporting local business, and I was glad to have the opportunity to take an unexpected walk on such a beautiful day!
In 1998, the Reston Farmers’ Market started with only 12 farm stands. Â This year, 27 0f the 28 vendors from the 2013 season have returned, with the addition of Smith Meadows from Berryfield, Virginia.
Another exciting addition this year is the implementation of SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) to the Reston Farmers’ Market.  Cornerstone (formerly Reston Interfaith) will administer the program to provide a modest subsidy for eligible neighbors to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables in the Market.
It is no surprise to me that Virginia Magazine named the Reston Farmers’ Market the best Farmers’ Market in Northern Virginia in 2013. Â The one disappointment that I had at the first farmers’ market of the year was the lack of fruit. Â It is no exaggeration to say that I eat watermelon every single day in the summer, so I was sad to learn that watermelon is not in season yet. Â But do not fret – they do have plenty of fresh herbs, vegetables, meats, dairy products, and my FAVORITE part of the market – the raspberry scones from Grace’s Pastries are an absolute MUST!
So this Saturday, consider joining me and the rest of our Reston neighbors for a fabulous time buying the freshest and tastiest produce around!